Born and raised in the Ware Place community of Pelzer, South Carolina, Tiko's world was filled with music and singing even as a child. His paternal aunts, The Thurman Sisters, were well recognized in the local gospel circuits, and his paternal grandmother, Eliza Mae Thurman was a pianist extraordinaire. His maternal grandfather, George C. Clement, was a part of the gospel group, The Spiritual Travelers.

Tiko's family moved to Wichita, Kansas when he was eleven, and then to St. Louis, Missouri when he was fourteen. He sang on church choirs in both places. It was then that he learned he could really sing, and singing about the love of Jesus became his passion. His high school graduation from Parkway South in St. Louis, Missouri called for the invitation for him to sing at the commencement ceremonies.

After graduation, Tiko left his parents and sister in St. Louis to return home to South Carolina and study at Clemson University. After his freshman year, he met his lovely bride-to-be who encouraged him to sing in the school talent show. From that point on, he became known on campus as "that dude that sings".

College life can cause anyone to be led astray from the Lord, and Tiko was not careful to avoid that pitfall. But staying in church, and continuing to sing praises unto God brought him back to the safety of His arms. "Running back to you" was the song that led to his victory as SpiritFest Legend 2008-2009, and it is a true testimony.

Tiko and his wife, Stacy, enjoy singing together at various events and have two beautiful children, Deshante and Jordan, who are singers in their own rights. Tiko has had the opportunity to share the stage with several gospel and secular artists. His favorite artists include Marvin Winans, Commissioned, Marcus Cole, Canton Jones, Kim Burrell and Sammy Dotson to name a few. In addition to singing and preaching the word of God, Tiko enjoys running, lifting weights, and spending time with his family.